Ponies ‘starving in agony’, a favourite eliminated from the World Cup final, plus other things the horse world is talking about

1. Rescued horses and ponies on road to recovery

Nine horses and ponies who were “slowly starving in pure agony” have begun their recovery. H&H previously reported on the prosecution relating to an equine therapy centre, from which three ponies were rescued and taken to the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and nine to the Horse Trust. A spokesperson for The Horse Trust said: “Sven, Olaf and seven other Shetlands and horses were owned by a small family business run as a community interest company, hosting pony parties and claiming to provide equine-assisted therapy sessions for vulnerable people. Intended to bring joy into people’s lives, no one could have expected that behind closed doors, these animals were living an awful nightmare.”

What’s next for these equines?

2. British favourite eliminated from World Cup final

The hot favourite for the dressage World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Lottie Fry was eliminated from competition before her freestyle test when her ride, the stallion Everdale, was judged to have a trace of blood in his mouth. After winning the grand prix, Lottie was first into the ring from the final group of four for the freestyle. Hans-Christian Matthiesen, judge at C, stopped her before she entered the arena and the pair left immediately on a long rein.

FEI vet director Göran Åkerström said: “The mouth of Charlotte’s [Lottie’s] horse has been examined and it is a minor bleeding from the mucosa, the gum above the incisors. It is the kind of injury that will heal extremely fast, it was not much blood at all. There should not be any concerns over the horse or the oral cavity because of it. It was extremely unlucky.”

Read more from the rider and owners

Lottie Fry and Everdale after winning the FEI World Cup Final grand prix

3. 12 service horses retiring

Twelve “extraordinary” service horses have made an emotional joint retirement. The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest has taken in nine horses from the Household Cavalry, two from the police and one from the Light Dragoons, all in one morning, in a “moment of heartfelt farewells as well as exciting new beginnings”.

All about these wonderful horses’ deserving retirement

You might also be interested in:

James Bond helps Swede to World Cup Final win at the ninth attempt; favourite eliminated

‘He’s so happy when I say “good job”’: Lottie Fry takes control of World Cup Final

Is he invincible? Laser-like King Edward tightens grip on World Cup crown

Tiny ‘critically neglected’ pony is seeking special new home after loving rehab – could you help?

Ponies found suffering at ‘sanctuary’ that offered ‘equine-assisted therapy’

Meet Trooper, Britain’s newest – and biggest — police horse

‘Lovely to see them galloping’: Household Cavalry and Kings Troop horses enjoy winter holiday

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.